Something Fishy

Thursday, December 25, 2014

Dogs important part of Christmas, but what do they think about the festivities

Dogs have always been an important part of our Christmas and holiday season. To the Junkers, they are family.

The dogs at the Junker house have also played an important role as have the dogs at the homes of other family members. That includes: Duke, Ripley, and Kyann.

Our dogs have traveled with us to Christmas events, puppies have pulled ornaments from trees, they have had their own stocking, received gifts, and disliked New Year’s fireworks.

The dogs are part of everything we do. They are always there when kids and grandkids gather around the tree or dinner table.

Our relatively new rescue dog Missy is fitting right in with her first Christmas with us. Christmas shopping is done except for her.

A friend, knowing our love of dogs, a number of years ago sent me a funny item, which probably came off the internet. It relates a dog’s perspective of Christmas. I know my dog must think we are a bit wacky whether at Christmas or any other time.

The advice to dogs (supposedly from another dog) follows:

1. Be especially patient with your humans during this time. They may appear to be more stressed-out than usual and they will appreciate long comforting dog leans or rubs.

2. They may come home with large bags of things they call gifts. Do not assume that all the gifts are yours.

3. Be tolerant if your humans put decorations on you. They seem to get some special kind of pleasure out of seeing how you look with fake antlers.

4. They may bring a large tree into the house and set it up in a prominent place and cover it with lights and decorations. Bizarre as this may seem to you, it is an important ritual for your humans, so there are some things you need to know:

* Don't pee on the tree * Don't drink water in the container that holds the tree (It could make you sick)* Mind your tail when you are near the tree * If there are packages under the tree, even ones that smell interesting or that have your name on them, don't rip them open * Don't chew on the cord that runs from the funny-looking hole in the wall to the tree

5. Your humans may occasionally invite lots of strangers to come visit during this season. These parties can be lots of fun, but they also call for some discretion on your part: * Not all strangers appreciate kisses and leans * Don't eat off the buffet table * Beg for goodies subtly * Be pleasant, even if unknowing strangers sit on your sofa * Don't drink out of glasses that are left within your reach

6. Likewise, your humans may take you visiting. Here your manners will also be important: * Observe all the rules in #4 for trees that may be in other people's houses. (4a is particularly important) * Respect the territory of other animals that may live in the house * Tolerate children * Turn on your charm big time

7. A big man with a white beard and a very loud laugh may emerge from your fireplace in the middle of the night. DON'T BITE HIM!!!